SkillSoft Unveils Best Practices for Integrating Learning into Enterprise Portals

In-depth report featuring IBM offers insight into achieving interactive learning experience

NASHUA, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

SkillSoft PLC (Nasdaq: SKIL), a leading SaaS provider of e-learning and performance support solutions for global enterprises, government, education and small to medium-sized businesses, today released an in-depth case study detailing how IBM Corporation was able to achieve a more interactive, user-focused experience to help organizations overcome the challenges of "siloed" training practices. This case study focuses on best practices for integrating learning into enterprise portals - a specialty strategy for SkillSoft.

SkillSoft also announced today (see accompanying press release - http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20080402005766/en) SkillSoft Learning Portlets, a series of pre-built, standards-based components that enable customers to easily embed SkillSoft learning assets and functionality within their enterprise portals.

This 20-page report offers an unprecedented level of detail for organizations to leverage when planning and developing their own learning portal strategy. The authors share a detailed account of how content can be personalized to meet the needs of individuals and also discuss the most effective means for updating content without human intervention.

"The IBM Learning On-Demand Model embeds learning into the workplace - where people carry out their daily activities as individuals, members of teams and as part of an overall organization," said Kevin Coward, Manager, Learning Systems, IBM Learning. "Our learning on-demand strategy is in lock step with our 'on demand' business philosophy, which allows us to leverage an open, standards-based infrastructure that integrates and automates business processes."

"As e-learning increasingly becomes integral to the success of any organization, company leaders need to implement best practices to make the most of their learning resources," said Josh Bersin, president of Bersin and Associates, the only research and advisory firm solely focused on What Works(R) in enterprise learning and talent management. "Companies like IBM are at the forefront of adopting new measures that enhance knowledge retention and employee productivity. It is beneficial to all that they are sharing lessons learned to aid other companies in achieving business impact from e-learning."

    Key tips in this detailed report include:

    --  Learning should be delivered to the employee at the exact
        moment of need within the context of the work task.

    --  The quality of search can be improved by leveraging profile
        data that describes the individual and context of their
        search.

    --  Content can be automatically updated within a learning portal
        using Internet syndication technologies and RSS feeds.

    --  Removing financial barriers for departments is a key enabler
        for making learning a "utility" for an organization.

    --  Simple workflow guides are needed to govern which users can
        recommend content for learning searches, reducing redundancy
        and errors.

"We're pleased that IBM has chosen to share its first-hand experience undergoing a major transformation in online learning," said John Ambrose, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Corporate Development & Emerging Business for SkillSoft. "IBM has mastered the art of on-demand learning through its role-relevant portal. Hearing the company's perspectives on lessons learned and best practices honed along the way should provide valuable insight to anyone looking to make learning more relevant for their users."

To read the SkillSoft report in its entirely, please visit www.skillsoft.com

About SkillSoft

SkillSoft PLC (Nasdaq: SKIL) is a leading SaaS provider of on-demand e-learning and performance support solutions for global enterprises, government, education and small to medium-sized businesses. SkillSoft enables business organizations to maximize business performance through a combination of comprehensive e- learning content, online information resources, flexible learning technologies and support services.

Content offerings include business, IT, desktop, compliance and consumer/SMB courseware collections, as well as complementary content assets such as Leadership Development Channel video products, KnowledgeCenter(TM) portals, virtual instructor-led training services and online mentoring services. SkillSoft's Books24x7(R) product offering includes access to more than 18,000 digitized IT and business books, as well as book summaries and executive reports. Technology offerings include the SkillPort(R) learning management system, Search-and-Learn(R), SkillSoft(R) Dialogue(TM) and virtual classroom.

SkillSoft courseware content described herein is for information purposes only and is subject to change without notice. SkillSoft has no obligation or commitment to develop or deliver any future release, upgrade, feature, enhancement or function described in this press release except as specifically set forth in a written agreement.

SkillSoft, the SkillSoft logo, SkillPort, Search-and-Learn, SkillChoice, Books24x7, ITPro, BusinessPro, OfficeEssentials, GovEssentials, EngineeringPro, FinancePro, AnalystPerspectives, ExecSummaries, ExecBlueprints, Express Guide and Dialogue are trademarks or registered trademarks of SkillSoft PLC in the United States and certain other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners, countries.

Source: SkillSoft

Released April 2, 2008